HOW DO WE DO THIS, SIMPLY, EASILY, EFFECTIVELY... WHILST REMAINING ON MESSAGE?

ALL CONTENT CAN BE VARIED AND CAN BE DISTRIBUTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STARTEGY ADOPTED FOR DIGITAL EVANGELISM.

5-DAY DEVOTIONAL - 8 JUN

A discussion guide ideal for weekly follow ups in small groups. It follows a discipleined format and all 5 themes are extracted from the weekly sermon.

WOULD BE PERFECT FOR DISCUSSION IN THE WHOLE-OF-CHURCH COMMUNITY -- e.g. 'Question of the Day'

1. Day 1: Embracing Transformation

Devotional: Transformation is a profound change that occurs when we embrace the gospel and allow the Holy Spirit to work within us. This change is not just superficial but deeply rooted in our form, nature, and appearance. The Thessalonians are a perfect example of this transformation. They turned away from idols to serve the living and true God, becoming models of faith for others. This transformation is a continuous process, and it starts with a willingness to let go of our old ways and embrace the new life that God offers.

Verse: For you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. - 1 Thessalonians 1:6

Question: What old ways or 'idols' do you need to turn away from to fully embrace the transformation God offers?

Quote: Transformation is a marked change. It's in form or nature or appearance.

Prayer: Gracious Lord, may we be your transformed people. Help us to turn away from anything that hinders our relationship with you. Transform our hearts and minds to reflect your love and grace. Amen.

2. Day 2: The Joy of the Holy Spirit

Devotional: The joy of the Holy Spirit is a settled emotional state of contentment cultivated by intimacy with God. Even in the midst of suffering, the Thessalonians experienced this joy. This joy is not dependent on our circumstances but on our relationship with God. It is a gift that the Holy Spirit cultivates within us as we draw closer to Him. This joy can be a powerful testimony to others, showing them the difference that a relationship with God can make in our lives.

Verse: Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. - Psalm 97:11

Question: How can you cultivate a deeper intimacy with God to experience the joy of the Holy Spirit, even in difficult times?

Quote: God is transforming us to give us joy.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to find joy in our relationship with you, regardless of our circumstances. May your Holy Spirit fill us with a deep and abiding joy that shines as a testimony to others. Amen.

3. Day 3: Living with Expectation

Devotional: Living with an eager expectation of Christ's return can transform our daily lives. The Thessalonians lived with this expectation, and it inspired them to share the gospel with others. This sense of urgency and hope can motivate us to live lives that are radically focused on Jesus. When we truly make God the center of our lives, everything begins to revolve around Him and find its proper perspective. This expectation can also give us the strength to endure hardships, knowing that our ultimate hope is in Christ.

Verse: And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:7

Question: How does living with the expectation of Christ's return change the way you live your daily life?

Quote: May you and may we live transformed lives that are radically focused on Jesus, worshiping and serving him for his glory with joy while we wait for his glorious return, being transformed.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to live with an eager expectation of Christ's return. May this hope transform our daily lives and inspire us to share the gospel with others. Amen.

4. Day 4: The Role of Perspective

Devotional: Perspective is everything. It is the lens through which we view life. The Thessalonians had a perspective that was shaped by their faith in God, and it transformed how they thought and acted. When we grasp the goodness of God, it changes our perspective and, consequently, our actions. This transformed perspective helps us to see our circumstances in light of God's eternal plan and His faithfulness. It enables us to find joy and contentment, even in difficult times, because we trust in God's goodness and sovereignty.

Verse: If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:8-9

Question: How can you shift your perspective to see your circumstances through the lens of God's goodness and faithfulness?

Quote: Perspective is everything. Perspective is the lens through which we view life.

Prayer: Lord, help us to see our lives through the lens of your goodness and faithfulness. Transform our perspective so that we may find joy and contentment in you, regardless of our circumstances. Amen.

5. Day 5: Sharing the Gospel

Devotional: The Thessalonians became models of faith for others, and their transformation was evident to all. They turned from worshiping idols to serving the one true God, and their lives echoed the Master's Word. Evangelism is everyone's business. It is both our responsibility and our privilege to share the message of salvation and hope that Jesus Christ offers. When we live transformed lives, others will see the difference in us and be drawn to the gospel. Let us embrace this calling and share the good news with those around us.

Verse: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. - Psalm 46:1

Question: How can you be a model of faith and share the gospel with those around you?

Quote: Evangelism is everyone's business. It's both our responsibility and our privilege to share the message of salvation and hope that Jesus Christ offers.

Prayer: Lord, give us the courage and the passion to share the gospel with those around us. May our transformed lives be a testimony to your grace and love. Amen.

5-DAY DEVOTIONAL -24 NOV

A discussion guide ideal for weekly follow ups in small groups. It follows a discipleined format and all 5 themes are extracted from the weekly sermon.

WOULD BE PERFECT FOR DISCUSSION IN THE WHOLE-OF-CHURCH COMMUNITY -- e.g. 'Question of the Day'

1. Day 1: Recognizing Spiritual Decay

Devotional: In Isaiah 1:12, we see a stark picture of the spiritual decay among God's people. Their religious practices had become mere formalities, devoid of genuine faith and obedience. This serves as a sobering reminder for us to examine our own spiritual lives. Are we merely going through the motions, or is our faith reflected in our daily actions and decisions? God desires a relationship with us that is vibrant and transformative, not one that is superficial and routine.

Verse: "When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts?" - Isaiah 1:12

Question: In what areas of your life might you be 'going through the motions' rather than engaging in a genuine relationship with God?

Quote: God described their religion as worthless in pretty harsh terms. Their religion was going through the motions. It wasn't reflected in the lives they were living.

Prayer: Lord, help me to recognize any areas of spiritual decay in my life. Renew my heart and mind so that my faith is genuine and my actions reflect my love for You. Amen.

2. Day 2: The Hope of a Faithful Remnant

Devotional: Despite the grim reality of spiritual decay, Isaiah offers a glimmer of hope. The faithful remnant, though small, is likened to a stump with vitality in its roots. This imagery reminds us that even in the darkest times, God preserves a remnant who remain faithful to Him. We are called to be part of this remnant, holding fast to our faith and trusting in God's promises.

Verse: "A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit." - Isaiah 11:1

Question: How can you remain faithful to God even when it seems like the world around you is spiritually decaying?

Quote: The faithful remnant, the few who remain are likened to a stump, the stump of a felled tree that looks apparently lifeless, but there's still vitality in the roots.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the hope of a faithful remnant. Help me to remain steadfast in my faith and trust in Your promises, even in difficult times. Amen.

3. Day 3: The Coming of the Messiah

Devotional: Isaiah 11 speaks of the coming Messiah, a descendant of David and the root of Jesse, who will bring justice, peace, and a restored creation. This Messiah, both divine and human, embodies the perfect response to God's Spirit. Jesus Christ is this promised Messiah, and through Him, we experience the transformative power of God's salvation plan.

Verse: "In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious." - Isaiah 11:10

Question: How does knowing that Jesus is both divine and human impact your understanding of His role as the Messiah?

Quote: The Messiah, about whom this whole chapter is about, is the shoot that comes from the stump of Jesse. But now in 11, verse 10, it calls him the Root of Jesse, the Messiah being spoken of in both halves of the chapter, the Messiah is the root of the stump and the shoot coming from the stump.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for being the promised Messiah who brings justice, peace, and restoration. Help me to fully grasp the significance of Your divine and human nature. Amen.

4. Day 4: Living in the Knowledge of the Lord

Devotional: The coming of the Messiah transforms the world into a new creation, where reconciliations and hostilities are gone. This new reality is characterized by a deep, personal knowledge of the Lord. It's not just about knowing facts about God, but about having a relationship with Him. As we grow in our relationship with God, we are called to live in righteousness and share this hope with others.

Verse: "They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." - Isaiah 11:9

Question: What steps can you take to deepen your personal relationship with God and live out His righteousness in your daily life?

Quote: The knowledge of the Lord, that phrase in our Bible is full of the knowledge of the Lord is probably best understood in the sense of full of knowing the Lord, not just knowledge about God, some kind of abstract truth out there, but it's actually relationship, knowing the Lord, personal communion with him.

Prayer: Father, fill me with the knowledge of You, not just in my mind but in my heart. Help me to live out Your righteousness and share Your hope with those around me. Amen.

5. Day 5: Sharing the Good News

Devotional: As recipients of God's grace and salvation through Jesus Christ, we are called to share this good news with others. The ultimate fulfillment of Jesus' kingdom will be when He returns, but even now, we can experience a foretaste of that peace and holiness. Our response to God's incredible gift should be one of praise, thanksgiving, and a commitment to making known among the nations what He has done.

Verse: "The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let the one who hears say, 'Come!' Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life." - Revelation 22:17

Question: How can you actively share the good news of Jesus Christ with those around you in your daily life?

Quote: Praising and thanking God for the salvation that we have in Christ. But then there's another response. Making known among the nations what he has done.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the salvation I have in Christ. Help me to overflow with Your love and share the good news with those around me. Give me the courage and wisdom to make known among the nations what You have done. Amen.